Resident at Whatcom Assisted Living Facility Tests Positive for COVID-19

BELLINGHAM, WA – Whatcom County Health Department announces that a resident of a Whatcom County Assisted Living Facility has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This individual is a resident of Lynden Manor and is currently in isolation.

There are no other confirmed cases at Lynden Manor. All precautions are being made to ensure resident and staff safety.

The Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and the staff of Lynden Manor are deeply committed to the health and safety of all residents and the larger Whatcom County community. WCHD continues to work closely with Lynden Manor to provide consultation in preventing and responding to COVID-19 infections by following guidelines outlined by the Washington State Department of Health.

Lynden Manor is an assisted living residence, not a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living residences are long-term care centers that offer varying degrees of personal and medical care within a home-like setting, while skilled nursing facilities have residents with higher medical needs. Residents in assisted living facilities live in one- or two-bedroom apartment units with a shared dining room. Residents have the option to eat in their rooms.

While most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate, approximately 15% of people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 will have serious illness. It is vitally important that people continue to take steps to protect family members, friends and neighbors from this infection. Stay home as much as possible and limit exposure to others. If you are at risk for severe disease, it is especially important to take the necessary steps to limit potential exposure. Guidelines can be found at www.whatcomcounty.us/covid.